2 Acknowledged

The governance and accountability arrangements for criminal enforcement of illegal political finance interference are inadequate.

Recommendation
The governance and accountability arrangements for criminal enforcement of illegal political finance interference are inadequate. Responsibilities and capabilities are dispersed across the Electoral Commission, the Metropolitan Police Service, Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, the National Crime Agency, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and regional police forces. There would be operational value in simplifying this set up. That would also probably help address worryingly low levels of public trust in the adequacy of enforcement. (Conclusion, Paragraph 46)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the vital need for appropriate structures to allow enforcement agencies to operate effectively. It states that the establishment of the new National Police Service provides an opportunity to strengthen capabilities and will consider how different functions could be brought together through forthcoming reforms.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The Government agrees that it is vital that we have the right structures and resources in place to allow the police and enforcement agencies to operate effectively and take swift, appropriate action wherever needed. In responding to the Committee, we agree that policing should have the specialist expertise, coordination and capacity at the national level to investigate and prosecute the most serious breaches of electoral law, particularly those involving foreign interference. As we establish the new National Police Service, we have a clear opportunity to strengthen and formalise capabilities, including consideration of how different functions could be brought together to deliver a more consistent and visible response. The Government will continue to work with policing partners to ensure that forthcoming reforms provide a strengthened and more coherent capability in this area, ensuring that this addresses the concerns of the JCNSS.
Addressee Bodies
Cabinet Office
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.4 yrs
Report published 18 Mar 2026